In 2014, the culinary landscape of Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) showcased an array of high-quality restaurants, setting the stage for a compelling development opportunity. The aim was not merely to integrate but to elevate the existing offerings, plugging into DIFC’s status as the premier office and restaurant destination in the region.
Let’s take a walk-through ICD’s Culinary Worlds with Ben McGregor.
The location of ICD Brookfield Place held the promise of success, described as an ‘architect’s dream’ by Foster + Partners. The vision was ambitious – to create an integrated lifestyle workplace where people’s desires, needs, and aspirations converged seamlessly. This foresight anticipated an evolving work culture, even pre-pandemic, recognising a rising expectation for the workplace of the future.
Leveraging world-leading expertise as the world’s largest institutional landlord, the ICD team understood the demand for elevated standards in specifications, sustainability, and the art of placemaking from global enterprises. This understanding formed the foundation for what would be a decade-long journey.
The plan for ICD was clear from the outset – to embody a workplace prioritising well-being and occupant satisfaction. Meticulous attention to detail, high-quality design, abundant green spaces, a vibrant central public realm, and world-class food and beverage facilities were incorporated, all underpinned by superior specifications. An exceptional consultancy team, renowned in their respective fields, commenced the design phase in London, with construction breaking ground in January 2016 and concluding successfully in September 2020, amid the challenges of a global pandemic.
Despite questioning the concept of traditional offices during a pandemic, the team remained resolute in their conviction that it was the ideal time to introduce a workplace prioritising fundamental needs. The result was a building that quickly garnered high occupancy levels from some of the world’s most valuable companies, breaking records along the way.
Building a world-class Food and Beverage community at the property was a testament to the strength of partnerships and the quality of design. Hand-picking from Dubai’s best operators, including securing The Arts Club as their first international outpost, set the tone for an outstanding F&B offering. The goal was to provide an inclusive selection catering to diverse tastes, opting to partner with Dubai’s best operators for new and original concepts born in Dubai. The outcome was a curated selection of remarkable restaurants, each with a unique identity. (La Niña, a culinary journey through Spain, and Latin America; Josette, a phenomenal Parisian dining experience infused with cabaret; Our creative hotspot – Lulu & The Beanstalk, an independent bookshop, bar, and restaurant; And finally, The Guild, a grand dining room inspired by the bustling brasseries of the world).
Looking forward, ICD Brookfield Place anticipates the culmination of its vision in 2024, introducing an urban farm and a captivating multi-use hospitality venue. The building operates at peak performance, with a comprehensive lifestyle and health and wellness ecosystem complementing its diverse range of F&B establishments.
Envisioning the future of DIFC in terms of F&B investment opportunities, a strong growth trajectory is predicted. DIFC, already recognised as one of the premier hubs for restaurants in the region, is set to intensify competition. With Dubai’s economic expansion and population growth, the demand for exceptional dining experiences is poised to rise, promising a bright future for all establishments within this dynamic culinary landscape.
